TMC Candidate Jahangir Khan Withdraws from Election, BJP Leaders React

Kolkata, May 19: Jahangir Khan, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate for the Falta Assembly seat in West Bengal, has decided to withdraw from the upcoming elections. This move has drawn sharp criticism from BJP leaders. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar remarked that this time, the ‘Pushpa’ has flopped.

During a media interaction in Kolkata, Majumdar stated that many aspire to be ‘Pushpa’, but this time it has failed. He pointed out that previously, images of ‘Pushpa’ and their boss were prominently displayed in Diamond Harbour, with slogans claiming ‘AB will not bow’. Now, he claims, everyone is bending. He added that AB’s agent has already submitted to pressure, and soon AB will also yield. “Don’t worry, everyone will bend in the future,” he said.

Majumdar also highlighted that voters in the Falta constituency have often faced obstacles. He assured that once a new government is in place, all injustices will be addressed. In response to TMC leader Kunal Ghosh’s comments, he advised against trusting their inconsistent statements.

BJP leader Locket Chatterjee echoed these sentiments, stating that electoral fraud had been rampant in Falta, preventing residents from voting for the past decade. She questioned the state of a party (TMC) that has 80 legislators yet sees its candidate withdrawing from the race.

Regarding the notice issued to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee by the municipal corporation, Chatterjee remarked that the government is acting in accordance with the law and constitution. “The public is watching, and so are we,” she added.

Jahangir did not clarify whether his decision was influenced by party leader Abhishek Banerjee or TMC’s top leadership. However, TMC has stated that this is a personal decision by Jahangir and not a directive from the party.

In a press conference on Tuesday morning, Jahangir announced that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has declared a special package for the development of Falta. He stated, “I am withdrawing my candidacy.” However, the deadline for withdrawal has passed, meaning that the button with Jahangir’s name will still appear on the EVM.